Hi Robert,

I would assume that if you have a Safety shoe policy onsite, it might make reference to this? What if the driver needed to exit the vehicle in a hurry due to an emergency? Would he stop to put his safety shoes on?

Another factor to consider would be the braking forces required to stop in an emergency...

The exert below is taken from the RAC and it is in reference to normal road driving, I would think the same principles should apply here.

However, driving with no shoes on doesn't mean it’s right. According to the Driving Standards Agency – the body that regulates the UK driving test – “suitable shoes are particularly important behind the wheel. We would not recommend driving barefoot because you don’t have the same braking force with bare feet as you do with shoes on.”

And lastly, would you allow a forklift driver to do this?

Not a definitive guide, just my thoughts on the matter.

Pete

We have a mandatory hat/vest/boots/gloves policy, as do many large construction firms. However, our policy does allow machine operators within enclosed cabs to remove their PPE.

That said, i've NEVER come across a case of somebody removing their boots! Although it would technically be ok (in accordance with the wording of our policy), i'd agree with the others and say that safety footwear shouldn't be removed.

Might need to go and update the wording in our policy!

Hi guys

Thanks for your replies and it has confirmed what I already thought. I was doing a site visit when I came across this. I did say to the people concerned that they would need to make sure that the wearing of safety footwear is enforced. The site manager did address it while I was on site. Just thought it was an interesting act of the driver. Another one for the annuals of excuses for not wearing safety footwear

Thanks again

Regards Robert